Tipranavir is used to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tipranavir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS. Tipranavir is used together with a similar drug called ritonavir (Norvir).
Tipranavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use tipranavir if you have moderate to severe liver disease.
Life-threatening side effects can occur if you take tipranavir with: alfuzosin, amiodarone, cisapride, flecainide, sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension), atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, propafenone, rifampin, quinidine, pimozide, midazolam (Versed), triazolam, St. John's wort, or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Ergotrate, Cafergot, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, or Methergine.
Tipranavir is taken in combination with ritonavir (Norvir). However, some people taking these medicines have developed fatal medical problems including liver damage and bleeding in the brain. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical attention if you have: unusual bleeding, sudden severe headache, numbness, problems with speech or vision, nausea, upper stomach pain, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to tipranavir or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), or if you have moderate to severe liver disease.
Life-threatening side effects can occur if you take tipranavir with any of the following medications:
- alfuzosin (Uroxatral);
- amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone);
- cisapride (Propulsid);
- atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev, Advicor), simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin, Juvisync);
- flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quinaglute);
- midazolam (Versed) or triazolam (Halcion);
- pimozide (Orap);
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rimactane);
- sildenafil (Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension);
- St. John's wort; or
- ergot medicines for migraine headache (Ergomar, Cafergot, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Ergotrate, or Methergine).
- liver disease (especially hepatitis B or C);
- diabetes;
- high cholesterol or triglycerides;
- a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia; or
- if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.
Tipranavir can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking tipranavir.
Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
Tipranavir should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Tipranavir Side Effects
Some people taking tipranavir with ritonavir have developed fatal medical problems including liver damage and bleeding in the brain. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical attention if you have:
- unusual bleeding, sudden severe headache, numbness, problems with speech or vision; or
- nausea, upper stomach pain, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- severe skin rash, blistering, peeling, redness or sunburn;
- skin rash and also joint or muscle pain, fever, or tightness in your throat; or
- increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth.
- signs of a new infection--fever, night sweats, swollen glands, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss;
- chest pain (especially when you breathe), dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;
- cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
- rapid heart rate, feeling anxious or irritable, weakness or prickly feeling, problems with balance or eye movement;
- severe lower back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control; or
- swelling in your neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence, loss of interest in sex.
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
- skin rash (especially in children);
- headache, fever, tired feeling; or
- changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).
Tipranavir Interactions
Avoid taking vitamin E supplements if you are using the liquid form of tipranavir.
Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with tipranavir, especially:
- fluticasone (Flonase), sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra);
- birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy; or
- medicine used to prevent blood clots--alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, urokinase, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
Tipranavir Dosage
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Tipranavir is taken in combination with ritonavir (Norvir). Use tipranavir and ritonavir regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescriptions refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Take your medicine with food if you take tipranavir with ritonavir tablets.
You may take your medicine with or without food if you take tipranavir with ritonavir capsules or liquid.
Swallow the tipranavir capsule whole. Do not break or chew it.
Measure tipranavir liquid with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Tell your doctor if the child using this medicine has any changes in height or weight. Tipranavir doses are based on body surface area (height and weight) in children, and any changes may affect your dose.
While using tipranavir, you may need frequent blood tests.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using tipranavir.
HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.
Store an unopened bottle of tipranavir capsules in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
After opening the bottle of capsules for the first time, you may store the medicine at room temperature. Store tipranavir liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not store the liquid in the refrigerator.
Throw away any capsules or liquid you have not used within 60 days after you first opened the medicine bottle.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.